Shunt

ABSTRACT

A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt&#39;s components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 60/228,937 and filed Aug. 30, 2000, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to apparatuses for thetreatment of hydrocephalus or the like, and more particularly relates tocerebrospinal fluid (“CSF”) shunts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] CSF shunts are well known and used broadly to treat patients withchronic hydrocephalus. In simple terms, such shunts typically have aninlet located in the patient's brain, and an outlet into some portion ofthe body which can accept and expel the excess fluid. A detaileddiscussion of prior art CSF shunts can be found in Drake et al, TheShunt Book, © 1995 Blackwell Science, Inc. Massachusetts, (“Drake”) thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] More particularly, ventriculoperitoneal (“VP”) shunts aredesigned to drain CSF from the brain into the peritoneal cavity. VPshunts are used in a variety of medical conditions and are implanted inboth young and old patients. Certain configurations of prior art VPshunts can include a ventricular catheter, a flow-valve that can bechanged by an external magnet, and a tunneled abdominal catheter.Further discussion on this type of shunt can be found in Reinprecht A.,et al., “The Medos Hakim programmable valve in the treatment ofpediatric hydrocephalus.”, Childs Nerv Syst, 1997 November-December;13(11-12):588-93. The ventricular cather and flow-valve are insertedthrough a scalp incision. The major complications from these and otherprior art shunts include infection, obstruction, disconnection, underdraining, and over draining, all of which can lead to serious injury andeven death. The symptoms of shunt failure and malfunction arenonspecific and include fever, nausea, vomiting, irritability andmalaise. A patient presenting to a medical facility with such symptomswarrants a thorough radiological, laboratory, and occasionally asurgical evaluation. As known to those of skill in the art, insertion ofCSF shunts requires a highly skilled surgeon or radiologist workingunder CT X-Ray guidance, but once inserted, such shunts are frequentlyprone to failure.

[0005] More recent shunts that attempt to overcome some disadvantages ofolder shunts include the use of telemetry, as discussed in Miyake H. etal., “A new ventriculpertoneal shunt with a telemetric intracranialpressure sensor: clinical experience in 94 patients with hydrocephalus”,Neurosurgery, 1997 May; 40(5): 931-5 and Munshi H., “Intraventricularpressure dynamics in patients with ventriculopleural shunts: atelemetric study”, Pedatr Neursurg, 1998 February; 28(2): 67-9 Despitethe fact that Miyake and Munshi teach the use of telemetrics withshunts, the shunts taught therein are still prone to failure due toinfection, blockages and other difficulties, such that failures of suchshunts can still require complete replacement of the shunt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aCSF shunt that obviates or mitigates at least one of the disadvantagesof the prior art.

[0007] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a shunt fordraining cerebral spinal fluid comprising a first catheter for insertioninto an area of the patient that has excess CSF, and for receiving CSFtherefrom. The shunt also includes a second catheter for insertion intoa drainage cavity for draining the CSF, and a master control unit forinsertion into the patient in a biocompatible location. The mastercontrol unit interconnects the catheters via a catheter line, and has aregulator for selectively draining an excess of the CSF. The shunt alsoincludes at least one access port intermediate the first catheter andthe second catheter, and which is placed subcutaneously such that whenthe access port is inserted into the patient, the access port provides apoint of access to the shunt for allowing a treatment a conditionassociated with the shunt without requiring the shunt's removal.

[0008] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the CSF spaceis a ventricle.

[0009] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the drainagespace is one of the patient's peritoneum, pleural space or vascularspace.

[0010] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, thebiocompatible location is one of the patient's skull, chest cavity orabdomen.

[0011] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the regulatoris a mechanical flow-valve regulator.

[0012] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the regulatoris a microprocessor based valve-gauge assembly for determining when theCSF requires draining and allowing the CSF to drain from the ventricleto the drainage cavity.

[0013] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, themicroprocessor based valve-gauge assembly has a normally-open positionto allow a preset amount of drainage of CSF in the event of apower-failure to valve-gauge assembly.

[0014] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the shuntfurther comprises a diagnostic unit for detecting abnormal metabolicactivity within the patient, and a transmitter for delivering theactivity to a receiver external to the patient.

[0015] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, thetransmitter is operable to perform the delivery wirelessly to thereceiver.

[0016] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, thetransmitter includes a memory buffer for accumulating data from thediagnostic unit prior to the delivery,

[0017] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the conditionis a blockage and the at least one access port allows an introductionpoint of introduction of a blockage-ablation device within the catheterline for physically breaking-up the blockage.

[0018] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, theblockage-ablation device is a micro-catheter with a tip suitable forpiercing the blockage.

[0019] In a particular implementation of the first aspect,blockage-ablation device is a radio-frequency ablation device.

[0020] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the at leastone access ports is mounted on an exterior of the master control, thecontrol unit further having a fluid bladder accessible via the accessport for injection of at least one solution for treatment of acondition.

[0021] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, condition ablockage and a solution for treatment thereof and injection via theaccess port is an anticoagulant or a thrombolytic.

[0022] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the conditionis an infection and a solution for treatment thereof and injection viathe access port is an antibiotic.

[0023] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the at leastone access port includes a self-healing plastic membrane.

[0024] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, there atleast two access ports and wherein one of the access ports is located onthe catheter line intermediate the master control unit and the secondcatheter and wherein a second one of the access ports is located on thecatheter line intermediate the first catheter and the master controlunit.

[0025] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the shuntfurther comprises a transmitter connected to the valve-gauge assemblyfor gathering pressure information therefrom, the transmitter forreporting the pressure information to a receiver external to thepatient.

[0026] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, at least aportion of the shunt has an antibiotic coating.

[0027] A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain isprovided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unitthat is located in the abdomen, chest wall, in the skull, on the skullor other suitable location, which interconnects a first catheter and asecond catheter that is typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In aspecific embodiment, the master control unit is located in the abdomen,and includes a variety of intelligent features including at least oneaccess port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention orremoval of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. Additionally,such ports can allow a radiologist (or the like) to navigate within theshunt to physically remove blockages or perform other remedial and/ordiagnostic activities throughout the shunt system. Additionally, themaster control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, eitherwirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnosticinformation about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be discussed, byway of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, in which:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a CSF shunt in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention; and,

[0030]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a CSF shunt in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTON OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic representation of a CSFshunt is indicated generally at 20. Shunt 20 comprises a master controlunit 24 (which can also be referred to as the active component) thatinterconnects a first catheter 28, and a second catheter 32 via acatheter line 34. Master control unit 24 is preferably minitiarized andmade of a biocompatible material such that it can be safely inserted inthe patient's abdomen, either intra-peritoneal or extra-peritoneal,using a standard abdominal incision, and remain therein as needed todrain CSF.

[0032] After master control unit 24 is inserted into the patient'sabdomen, first catheter 28 can then be tunneled from the abdomenrostrally (or caudaly) into a CSF space in the scalp to serve as aninlet for excess CSF, which in a present embodiment is a ventricle. (Asused herein, the term CSF space includes any space in the body that cangenerate an excess of CSF requiring drainage.) A small incision in thescalp can then be used to assist in the final positioning of firstcatheter 28 within the patient's head. By tunneling into the scalp, itis contemplated that this can obviate the need to separately connectcatheter 28 to control unit 24.

[0033] Similarly, second catheter 32 can be tunneled from below, up intothe peritoneal cavity to serve as an outlet for the CSF. The tip ofsecond catheter 32 is chosen to increase the flow of CSF drainage, andto reduce the likelihood of obstruction thereat. In one embodiment, thetip of catheter 32 is static, having a conical shape with drainage portsalong the surface and underside thereof. In another embodiment, the tipof catheter 32 is resiliently expandable, for breaking up debris,adhesions or other occlusions that can develop over time. A suitableexpandable tip is an appropriately modified angioplasty balloon, whichcan be inflated to break up adhesions.

[0034] Master control unit 24 is powered by a battery 36 (or otherself-contained power source), such as a high-capacity battery such asalready widely used in pacemakers, stimulators, defibrillators and thelike. It is presently preferred that battery 36 be located external tomaster control unit 24 and inserted in subcutaneous tissue to provideeasy access for replacement in the event of failure. It is alsocontemplated, however, that battery 36 could be integrally housed withinmaster control unit 24.

[0035] Master control unit 24 is also characterized by a first accessport 40 and a second access port 42, which provide access to certainother components within shunt 20, the details of which will be discussedin greater detail below. Thus, as master control unit 24 is inserted inthe abdomen, is it also oriented within the patient subcutaneously, suchthat access ports 40 and 42 are readily accessible. Further, theplacement of master control 24 is preferably particularly chosen toreduce the likelihood of rotation or other movement of master controlunit 24, to reduce the likelihood that ports 40 and 42 becomeinaccessible due to rotation or shifting in the patient over time.

[0036] Access ports 40 and 42 include a self-healing plastic membrane,which can be punctured with a sharp instrument (i.e. a needle, catheter,or the like) and then reseal itself upon withdrawal the instrument. Suchself-healing plastic membranes can be adapted from currently availablemembranes used in vascular access devices and other applicationsrequiring puncturing and resealing.

[0037] Master control unit 24 houses a first fluid bladder 44 proximalto first access port 40, and a second fluid bladder 46 proximal tosecond access port 42. Thus, when access port 40 or 42 is opened, thebladder 44 or 46 respective thereto, is accessible for filling viainjection or for providing other access to shunt 20. Bladders 44 and 46are typically made of silicon or other biocompatible material. Suchinjections could include heparin (or some other anti-thrombotic oranti-collagen agent) and/or an antibiotic solution, such as forprophylaxis treatment or treatment of infection. Bladders 44, 46 areconnected to catheter line 34 within control unit 24, via a one-wayvalve 48, 50 respectively. Thus, for example, an injection into bladder44 can eventually work its way into catheter line 34 (particularly theportion between control unit 24 and the second catheter 32) and therebydissolve any blockages therein, without the need for more invasivesurgery required to replace the entire shunt 24. Alternatively, aninjection may be desired to be eventually introduced into the patient,and using bladder 44 such an injection can be eventually introduced intothe patient's peritoneal cavity. It will be understood by those of skillin the art that the size of bladder 44, and the mechanical flowcharacteristics of valves 48 are chosen to allow an appropriate quantityand rate of delivery of the injection into line 34. By the same token,access port 42, bladder 46 and valve 50 can also provide access to shunt20, and in particular to the portion of shunt 20 between master controlunit 24 and first catheter 28, and in turn, the patient's skull. Inother embodiments, it is contemplated that additional access ports,bladders and valves could be provided in order to provide additionalmeans to introduce injections into shunt 20 and/or the patient in amanner with reduced intrusion to the patient. Where a patient isindicated for other injection therapies, such as chemotherapy, thepresent invention thus has the added benefit of providing means forintroducing such injections without the need for vascular accessdevices.

[0038] Also housed within master control unit 24 is amicroprocessor-based valve-gauge assembly 52. Valve-gauge assembly 52includes known components, including a pressure gauge for monitoring thepressure of CSF present in line 34, and a valve for selectively allowingCSF to flow through line 34 and towards second catheter 32. Valve-gaugeassembly 52 also includes a ventricular-gauge 54 that is locatedproximal to ventricular-catheter 28 and connected to the portion ofassembly 52 housed within master control unit 24 via a control line 56,which is preferably inserted into the patient in conjunction with firstcatheter 28. Accordingly, in certain configurations control line 56 canbe physically connected in parallel to the portion of catheter line 34that runs between first catheter 28 and master control unit 24, therebyallowing control line 56 and that portion of catheter line 34 to beinserted simultaneously.

[0039] Valve-gauge assembly 52 further includes a microprocessor (orother processing means) that is operable to receive inputs from thepressure gauges associated with assembly 52 and to output controlsignals to the valve within assembly 52. The microprocessor isprogrammed with various criteria that determine when the valve should beopened or closed. Any decision-making criteria that determines theappropriate and/or desired drainage of CSF from the ventricles (or otherCSF space) to the peritoneal cavity (or other drainage space) can beused. For example, such decision making criteria could be based ondifferent times of day. Additionally, valve-gauge assembly 52 could alsobe provided with an accelerometer or other movement sensor, and/or amercury switch or other type of position sensor that provides additionalfeedback as to the movement and/or position of the patient. Suchinformation can be included with the information provided by thepressure gauges of assembly 52, as part of the decision making criteraas to how much CSF drainage to allow. One known valve-assembly 52 thatcould be extended beyond its current functionality to incorporate theadditional functionality described hereabove (and thereby provide anovel shunt over the prior art) is taught in Reinprecht, previouslycited.

[0040] It is also presently preferred that the valve portion ofvalve-gauge assembly 52 be configured to be normally-open to provide apre-set rate of flow of CSF in the event of a power failure of battery36.

[0041] Master control unit 24 additionally houses a diagnostic unit 60,that includes a probe operable to sample CSF passing through line 34,and the outer surface of line 34 to detect the presence abnormalmetabolic activity within the patient. Diagnostic unit 60 can be basedon any means for detecting such abnormal metabolic activity, such as aph/Redox. Diagnostic unit 60 further includes a microprocessor forinterpreting the data gathered by the probe, and, based on a predefinedset of diagnostic criteria, make determinations as to whether shunt 20is operating properly. Such diagnostic criteria would include, forexample, whether the pH level of CSF flowing through unit 60 changes bya predetermined amount, thereby indicating the presence of infection.

[0042] The processing units of valve-gauge assembly 52 and diagnosticunit 60 are both connected to a transmitter 64. Transmitter 64 isoperable to receive information from valve-gauge assembly 52 anddiagnostic unit 60 and emit that information to a computing deviceexternal to the patient. In a present embodiment, transmitter 64operates wirelessly, emitting an RF signal detectable by a receiverlocated proximal to the patient. In order to reduce battery consumption,it is preferred that transmitter 64 emit at a low power level. Theexternal computing device that receives the emitted signal can then usethe information to either automatically to diagnose any malfunction orinfection, and/or simply pass the data in human-readable format to thepatient's doctor or other skilled professional for review and analysis.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2, in another embodiment of the inventionthere is provided a shunt 20 a. Like components in shunt 20 a of FIG. 2to the components of shunt 20 of FIG. 1 are given like referencenumbers, followed by the suffix “a”. Thus, the components and operationof shunt 20 b are substantially identical to the components of shunt 20,except that in shunt 20 a two additional access ports 70 and 74 areprovided. Access port 70 is located along catheter line 34 aintermediate first catheter 28 and master control unit 24, while accessport 74 is located along catheter line 34 a at a point intermediatemaster control unit 24 and second catheter 32. Access ports 70 and 74are thus characterized by a chamber with an opening oriented towards theperiphery of the patient's body, and covered with a self-healing plasticmembrane, such as that previously described for access ports 40, 42.

[0044] Thus, access ports 70 and 74 provide additional points forinjection, similar to access ports 40 and 42. Access ports 70 and 74also provide a means for a radiologist (or the like) to use X-rayguidance in order to physically navigate items such as catheters, wires,radio-frequency blockage ablation devices, imaging devices based onfiber optics or ultra sound, within the various passageways of catheterline 34 and other components of shunt 20 a. In this manner, blockageswithin catheter line 34 can by physically broken up using a catheter totunnel through such blockages within line 34. Other uses for navigationwithin catheter line 34 will occur to those of skill in the art.

[0045] Shunt 20 can be placed in patient using traditional surgicaltechniques, or it can be placed using an image-guidance technique suchas radiological, CT, MR, fluoroscopy, or the like. Additionally, eachcomponent of shunt 20 can be coated with, or made from a material thatallows such component to be readily viewed using a complementary imagingsystem. For example, such components could be radio-opaque for viewingunder X-ray.

[0046] While only specific combinations of the various features andcomponents of the present invention have been discussed herein, it willbe apparent to those of skill in the art that desired subsets of thedisclosed features and components and/or alternative combinations ofthese features and components can be utilized, as desired. For example,the embodiments discussed herein refer to a fluid bladder, it will beunderstood that other means for injecting a solution can be provided.

[0047] Furthermore, while the embodiments discussed herein contemplatethe placement of master control unit 24 in the abdomen, it iscontemplated that master control unit 24 can be modified for placementin other suitable areas intermediate first catheter 28 and secondcatheter 32, such as the chest wall (similar to a pacemaker) or in theskull.

[0048] It is also to be understood that the access ports 40, 42 of FIG.1 can also be used for physically accessing shunt 20 for repairingmaster control unit 24, or for introducing a microcatheter or the like,in addition to using such ports 40, 42 for injections.

[0049] In addition, while not a requirement it is presently preferredthat all or part of the components of shunt 24 are made frominfection-resistant materials, such as using silicon tubingcoated/impregnated with an antibiotic for catheter line 34.

[0050] It is also contemplated that all or part of the variouscomponents of shunt 24 can be covered with an adhesion resistantcoating.

[0051] While it is presently preferred to include microprocessor-basedvalve gauge assembly 52, it is contemplated that in other embodiments ofthe invention such an assembly 52 could be replaced with another type ofregulator, such as a traditional mechanical flow-valve currently foundin CSF shunts, and thereby still provide an advantageous and novel shunthaving access ports that can be used to treat conditions affecting thepatient, such as those typically associated with the shunt's failure orinfection of the patient, or the like.

[0052] While the embodiments herein teach the locating of first catheter28 in the ventricles, it will now be apparent to those of skill in theart other types of receiving catheters for receiving excess CSFdepending on the location from which the CSF is to be drained.

[0053] In addition, while the embodiments herein discuss the use ofone-way valve 48 in conjunction with bladders 44 and 46, in otherembodiments it can be desired to incorporate different types of valvesin order to allow aspiration, in addition to or in lieu of injection.For example, it can be desired to have one way valves 48 and 50 shown inFIG. 1 replaced with two-way valves, and include a one-way way valve onthe portion of catheter line 34 intermediate master control unit 24 andsecond catheter 32 in order to ensure that fluids only flow from mastercontrol unit 24 towards second catheter 32—thereby freeing up ports 40and 42 for use as aspiration ports.

[0054] It is also contemplated that transmitter 64 can be substitutedfor a transceiver, that would not only permit downloading of data fromshunt 20 to an external computing device, but would also accept uploadedinformation to shunt 20 from an external computing device. Such uploadedinformation can include, for example, reprogramming instructions forsoftware programming used in the operation of in valve-gauge assembly 52and/or diagnostic unit 60.

[0055] Furthermore, while the embodiments discussed herein refer to twoaccess ports with associated bladders and other means to access catheterline 34, in other embodiments it is contemplated that there may be onlyone access port, or more than two access ports, as desired. Furthermore,it is contemplated that such additional or fewer access ports could alsobe provided with additional bladders per access port, as desired.

[0056] Furthermore, while transmitter 64 of the embodiments discussedherein is wireless, it is also contemplated that transmitter 64 couldfunction wirelessly, by attaching a data port, such as a serial port totransmitter 64, that is accessible via port 40. Further, it is alsocontemplated that transmitter 64 can include a memory buffer to allow anaccumulation of data to be gathered, prior to downloading the data bytransmission, and thereby providing a greater sampling of data withoutthe need for interfering with the patient's mobility and/or relying onthe patient's full-time proximity to a receiver to detect thetransmission.

[0057] The present invention provides a novel shunt for draining CSFthat has a main control unit that is located in the abdomen of thepatient. The main control unit includes an access port that allows theinjection of a solution into the shunt. Such a solution can include ananticoagulant or collagenase to treat an obstruction in the catheter.Other solutions can be injected, as desired. By providing one, two ormore access ports, problems with the shunt can be addressed without theneed for invasive surgery, such as removing and/or replacing the shunt.The access ports can also be used to allow physical navigation withinthe passageways of the shunt, thereby allowing repair of the shunt underradiological guidance, or to allow blockages to be broken-up underradiological guidance. Additionally, diagnostic functions are includedwithin the shunt to provide information as to the operation of the shuntand/or information about the pressures and rates of drainage of CSF inthe patient. Such diagnosis can also mitigate the need for invasivesurgery, as can be required in certain prior art shunts, to ascertainthe cause of a shunt failure. The shunt of the present invention canthus allow the diagnosis of shunt failure, and treatment thereof,without the need for additional surgery on the patient.

1. A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid comprising: a firstcatheter for insertion into a CSF space of a patient for receiving CSF;a second catheter for insertion into a drainage cavity and for drainingsaid CSF; a master control unit for insertion into said patient in abiocompatible location, said master control unit interconnecting saidfirst and second catheters via a catheter line, said master control unithaving a regulator for selectively draining an excess of said CSF; atleast one access port intermediate said first catheter and said secondcatheter and for placement subcutaneously such that when inserted intosaid patient said access port provides a point of access to said shuntfor allowing a treatment a condition associated with said shunt withoutrequiring said shunt's removal.
 2. The shunt according to claim 1wherein at least one of said CSF space is a ventricle.
 3. The shuntaccording to claim 1 wherein said drainage space is one of saidpatient's peritoneum, pleural space or vascular space.
 4. The shuntaccording to claim 1 wherein said biocompatible location is one of saidpatient's skull, chest cavity or abdomen.
 5. The shunt according toclaim 1 wherein said regulator is a mechanical flow-valve regulator. 6.The shunt according to claim 1 wherein said regulator is amicroprocessor based valve-gauge assembly for determining when said CSFrequires draining and allowing said CSF to drain from said ventricle tosaid drainage cavity.
 7. The shunt according to claim 6 wherein saidmicroprocessor based valve-gauge assembly has a normally-open positionto allow a preset amount of drainage of CSF in the event of apower-failure to valve-gauge assembly.
 8. The shunt according to claim 1further comprising a diagnostic unit for detecting abnormal metabolicactivity within said patient, and a transmitter for delivering saidactivity to a receiver external to said patient.
 9. The shunt accordingto claim 8 wherein said transmitter is operable to perform said deliverywirelessly to said receiver.
 10. The shunt according to claim 8 whereinsaid transmitter includes a memory buffer for accumulating data fromsaid diagnostic unit prior to said delivery,
 11. The shunt according toclaim 1 wherein said condition is a blockage and said at least oneaccess port allows an introduction point of introduction of ablockage-ablation device within said catheter line for physicallybreaking-up said blockage.
 12. The shunt according to claim 11 whereinsaid blockage-ablation device is a micro-catheter with a tip suitablefor piercing said blockage.
 13. The shunt according to claim 11 whereinsaid blockage-ablation device is a radio-frequency ablation device. 14.The shunt according to claim 11 wherein said at least one access portsis mounted on an exterior of said master control, said control unitfurther having a fluid bladder accessible via said access port forinjection of at least one solution for treatment of a condition.
 15. Theshunt according to claim 1 wherein said condition a blockage and asolution for treatment thereof and injection via said access port is ananticoagulant or a thrombolytic.
 16. The shunt according to claim 1wherein said condition an infection and a solution for treatment thereofand injection via said access port is an antibiotic.
 17. The shuntaccording to claim 1 wherein said at least one access port includes aself-healing plastic membrane.
 18. The shunt according to claim 1comprising at least two access ports and wherein one of said accessports is located on said catheter line intermediate said master controlunit and said second catheter and wherein a second one of said accessports is located on said catheter line intermediate said first catheterand said master control unit.
 19. The shunt according to claim 6 whereinsaid shunt further comprises a transmitter connected to said valve-gaugeassembly for gathering pressure information therefrom, said transmitterfor reporting said pressure information to a receiver external to saidpatient.
 20. The shunt according to claim 1 wherein at least a portionof said shunt has an antibiotic coating.
 21. A shunt for drainingcerebral spinal fluid comprising: a first catheter for insertion into aCSF space of a patient for receiving CSF; a second catheter forinsertion into a drainage cavity and for draining said CSF; a mastercontrol unit for insertion into said patient in a biocompatiblelocation, said master control unit interconnecting said first and secondcatheters via a catheter line, said master control unit having aregulator for selectively draining an excess of said CSF; said mastercontrol unit including a diagnostic unit for detecting abnormal activitywithin said patient, and a transmitter for delivering said activity to acomputing device external to said patient.
 22. A shunt for drainingcerebral spinal fluid comprising: a first catheter for insertion into aCSF space of a patient for receiving CSF; a second catheter forinsertion into a drainage cavity and for draining said CSF; a mastercontrol unit for insertion into said patient in a biocompatiblelocation, said master control unit interconnecting said first and secondcatheters via a catheter line, said master control unit having aregulator for selectively draining an excess of said CSF, said regulatorbeing a microprocessor based valve-gauge assembly for determining whensaid CSF requires draining and allowing said CSF to drain from saidventricle to said drainage cavity.